George Wright to His Excellency LELAND STANFORD, January 11, 1862

His Excellency LELAND STANFORD, Governor State of California, Sacramento City, Cal.:

Str: In view of the possibility of our becoming engaged in a war with a foreign nation, I have called on Colonel’De Russy, the chief engineer of the U. S. Army on this coast, to prepare and submit to these headquarters a plan for defensive field-works, to guard the approaches by land to this city. As soon as Colonel De Russy completes his reconnaissance and fixes upon the points for the erection of the works, I shall take great pleasure in submitting the whole subject to the consideration of Your Exeellency. In case of a war with a maritime nation, the immediate attention of the enemy would most certainly be directed to this city, the great entrepót of our possessions on the Pacific coast. To prevent the ingress of ships of war, we have the forts at Fort Point and on Alcatraz Island with 140 heavy guns now in position at commanding points. Batteries can readily be thrown up, and with such naval force as could be concentrated in the harbor, it is believed that this city would be safe. The General Government has but a small amount of funds at present available for defensive works on this coast, but I apprenend no embarrassment on this account, not for a moment doubting that the loyal and Union-loving people of California will most cheerfully respond to any call which may be made on them, whether for men or money to defend their State from foes without or traitors within.

With great respect, I have the honor to be, Your Excellency?s most